Happiness Checklist

Here’s a secret: You control your own happiness. While challenging experiences are guaranteed, there are steps you can take to make your life happier—no matter the circumstance. If you’re feeling unhappy, there are proactive steps you can take to feel better about your life and increase your overall happiness. It’s not as difficult as you may think, and realizing you have the ability to harness your own happiness can be quite empowering.

Speak kindly to yourself

The way our brain speaks to us is often harsher than we’d ever speak to even our worst enemies. Be a friend to you.

Related: How to  Become a Morning Person

Be grateful

Try writing down things you’re grateful for every morning or night. Start with just five things you’re thankful for—you’ll be amazed how much good there is in your life.

Get walking

Walking is a type of moving meditation that releases feel-good endorphins and often has the ability to get you out of a cycle of negative thinking.

Try being optimistic

It’s not as easy as it sounds because the brain is wired for neutral or negative thinking as a protective mechanism. Train yourself to see the good in situations instead of fixating on the negative.

Declutter

Sometimes the things we own end up owning us. Decluttering your surroundings can lead to an increased sense of wellbeing.

Be around happy friends

When you’re sad, it helps to be around others who have a positive outlook because their attitude rubs off. Those who are surrounded by happy people tend to be happy themselves.

Adopt a dog

Pets are good for mental health.1 They’re also constant companions who love you no matter what. No wonder they make us so happy.

Related: 10 Ways to Give Positive Encouragement to Your Child

Foster your relationships

Just like romantic relationships, platonic relationships need to be nurtured. Go on “dates” with your friends and connect with them regularly to develop a closer connection.

Spend money on experiences

Things rarely bring joy. When you spend money, focus on planning for experiences like trips and excursions that you can look back on with fondness.

Honor your dreams

Do not let your dreams die with you. Instead of spending time at the office, take the vacation, spend time at your family, and do what your heart wants most to do.

Reference: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/07/cats-dogs.aspx

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